Circa late 1800s early 1900s a horse-drawn plough, potato digger, is one example of the implements that were widely used by early market gardeners in the Shire of Moorabbin. The flat plate, seen to the right of the photo, dug down into the ground below the potatoes and "scooped" them up. Behind the plate, two driving chains on cogs, (these chains are missing from our exhibit), then "rocked' the dug potatoes to loosen the soil from the "spuds". The potatoes were then harvested by hand. Very large tracts of land in the Shire of Moorabbin were planted with potatoes. Harvesting commenced in October, into November and on into December. Potatoes were a necessary food staple. The market gardeners were always in a rush to be first to get their potatoes to market, and hence the best price. Some market gardeners were so keen to be the first to market, (and get the most money), that they dug their potatoes "green" (or new). The only downside of this practice was that these early potatoes had to be handled with extreme care as their skins were very loose, and came off easily - so decreasing their profits.As well as taking their produce to the Melbourne and St Kilda markets, they also sent produce off to Sydney markets. It is interesting to note that a group of Chinese market gardeners were the first to access the Sydney market. .Following the 'Dendy's Special Survey' 1841 and the Crown Land Sale of 1852, land allotments were sold to pioneer settlers who established market gardens in the area of Moorabbin Shire. During the 1850s gold-rush population boom the number of market gardeners increased significantly spreading throughout the Moorabbin Shire. Potatoes were considered a staple foodstuff, so crops were regularly sown throughout the whole Moorabbin area. Circa late 1800s early 1900s. A horse-drawn plough potato digger is an example of the machines used by early market gardeners in Moorabbin Shiremelbourne, sydney, markets, vegetables, potato, dendy henry, st kilda, market gardeners, gold rush, moorabin, chinese gardeners, ploughs

This medium sized metal, horse-drawn, road-working scoop, with timber shafts is an example of those used in Moorabbin Shire in the late 1800s, and up until the 1940s for road-works, building dams, market-gardening work and other similar earthworks in the shire. The Box Cottage museum example would have been drawn by one horse, with the worker walking and steering the horse and scoop from behind using the timber shafts. There were even bigger metal scoops that required two or more horses to drag the scoop through the soil.Following the Dendy Special Survey 1841 allotments were sold to pioneer settlers who established market gardens in the Moorabbin area. Roads and roadside dams were needed as they transported both their stock and garden produce to markets in St Kilda and Melbourne By1880 the Shire of Moorabbin was using horse-drawn, road-working shovels on the main thoroughfares of the district.A medium sized metal, horse-drawn, road-working scoop, with timber shafts. Used by Moorabbin Shire in the late 1800s, and early 1900s for road-works, and other similar work in the shiremelbourne, shovel, brighton, moorabbin, metal, gardens, roads, markets, mckinnon, cheltenham, horse drawn, scoop, dendy henry, st kilda

Circa late 1800's to early 1900s. A horse-drawn furrow plough was the most common type of agricultural implement used by the pioneer market gardeners, in Moorabbin Shire, of the 1800s and continued on into the 1940s when motorised tractors came into use. This plough is an example of a single-mullboard plough which would have been pulled by horse. The long handle was used to lower the silver plate, (mullboard), to the chosen depth of soil. Following 'Dendy's Special Survey' of 1841 and the Crown Land Sale in 1852, land allotments were bought by pioneer settlers who established or rented allotments for market gardens in the area and they supplied produce to the markets in St Kilda and Melbourne. During the gold-rush of the 1850s the rapidly increasing population of Melbourne saw a huge demand and a rise in prices for all foodstuffs, including the vegetables and fruit grown in the Shire of Moorabbin. An "Oliver" single mull-board plough in good condition with faded manufactures markings on shaftsPainted on shaft "MANF'D BY/OLIVER CHILLED PLOW WORKS/Southend Ind. USA/" Engraved on blade " 13 OLIVER"brighton, moorabbin, plough, dendy henry, east bentleigh, market gardens, horse drawn plough, plow, mullboard

A typical, white ,cotton, nightgown worn by girls c1900.. it was probably made by her mother who usually made all the clothes for the family. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners in the Moorabbin Shire had to be very self reliant and make their own clothes and utensils. Many early settlers came to rent and eventually buy land after the 1841 Dendy Special Survey in Brighton Victoria. These settlers developed market gardens and supplied the growing Melbourne population with produce . They had to make their own clothing and this is an example of their dressmaking craftsmanship.A white, cotton, girl's nightgown is typical of those worn c 1900clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, box elizabeth, market gardeners

This girl's white cotton dress is typical of the craftsmanship of the home dressmakers among the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shirec 1900The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and the women made most of the clothing for their families.c1900 girl's dress is made of cotton and is all hand-worked, with cutworkclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers

The pioneer settlers and market gardeners who came to the Brighton area after the 1841 Dendy Special Survey had to be self reliant. The women made most of the clothing for their families and many items on display exhibit their skill and craftsmanshipThis is a typical garment made by the women pioneer settlers in the Brighton area after the sale of land in the Dendy Special Survey 1841. By 1900 the area was known as Moorabbin Shire and the successful market gardeners were supplying the population of Melbourne with produce.This is a baby's long white cotton nightgown with a frilled collar and waist ties, typical of that made c 1900 an worn in Moorabbin Shiremelbourne, brighton, moorabbin, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers

This long, white cotton pin-tucked baby's dress is an example of the clothing the women of pioneer settlers and market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire made for their familiesAfter the 1841 Dendy Special Survey of Brighton, Victoria, allotments of land were rented or sold to pioneer settlers. These settlers had to be self reliant and the women made most of the clothing for their families. This garment is one of the examples of the skills and craftsmanship of these women.A white, cotton, pin-tucked, long Baby's dress c 1900clothing, brighton, moorabbin, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, pioneer settlers, craft working

The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. This white, cotton Lady's blouse with pin-tucked front and back is and example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners in the Moorabbin Shire. Ladies long-sleeved white cotton blouse with high collar. Pin-tucking to front and back, guipure lace inserts on front of bodice. Significant tear at lower edge of the garment.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, home dressmaker, craft work

These white cotton underpants were made for Mr Geoff Maggs by his mother in 1907 as his first underwear at age 2 years old. The Maggs family were early settlers in the Moorabbin ShireThe pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. White, cotton underwear for a 2 year old boy. Made at home on a sewing machine with hand feather stitching and factory-made guipure lace on leg-bands. Buttons at waist, and a tuck pleat to let down as child grows.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, dressmakers, market gardners, early settlers, maggs geoff

This white, cotton, short-sleeved blouse with eyelet work for a young woman is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c 1900.The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. A white, cotton, short-sleeved blouse, with eyelet work for a young woman .brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work, maggs geoff

This heavy, detachable lace collar is an example of the dressmaking and needle work skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c 1880 The Maggs family settled in the Brighton district in the late 1800,s. After the Dendy's Special Survey of the Brighton area in 1841 land allotments were rented or sold to pioneers who established market gardens, dairy farms, fruit gardens and vineyards. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these familiesThis heavy, lace collar is detachable and consists of hand crochet work.clothing, crochetwork, pioneers, early settlers, dendy henry, maggs geoff, brighton, bentleigh, moorabbin, market gardeners, craft working, dressmakers

This cotton, boy's blouse is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900The Maggs family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these familiesThis is a 2 year old boy's long-sleeved blouse. White cotton with blue pinstripes. Breast pockets and banded waist. C 1910. Some fraying to collar and cuffs. Small tear to body.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, bentleigh, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, early settlers, maggs geoff, garments, craftwork

This white, girl's blouse with ribbon inserts is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire.The Maggs family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. A white cotton , girl's blouse , decorative with ribbon insert.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work, maggs geoff

This white cotton lady's slip bodice is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin ShireThe Blackburn family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. Fitted, fine white cotton lady's short sleeved slip bodice. Five front buttons. Hand embroidered satin stitch scallops on both sleeves and at neckline.brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, craft work, blackburn nance

This white cotton lady's slip bodice is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire. The Blackburn family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. Undergarment. Front opening soft, white cotton lady's slip bodice with short sleeves. Hand embroidered satin stitch scallops to both the sleeves and neckline. Five button opening - one button is missing. clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, dressmakers, market gardners, craft work, early settlers, blackburn nance

This white cotton lady's slip bodice is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire. The Blackburn family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. Fine white cotton lady's slip bodice. Front opening with five buttons. Hand embroidered satin stitch scalloped edges to both the sleeves and neckline. Good condition.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work, blackburn nance

This long calico baby's nightdress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire.The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families.A short-sleeved, long calico baby's nightgown. There is extensive hand-embroidery and pin-tucks on the bodice. Waist ties embroidered at the front. Crochet edges to neck and sleeves. The garment opens at the back.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, dressmakers, craft work

This long, white fine lawn cotton pin-tucked baby's christening dress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families.A white, fine lawn cotton, pin-tucked, baby's long christening dressclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, craft work

This lady's jacket would have been worn for special occasions by an early settler of the Moorabbin Shire c1900. Bombasine material was usually black and worn during the mourning time. It has a dull, twilled surface with a silk warp and worsted wool weftA lady's shiny black Bombasine dress jacket with embroidery at buttonsclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, sewing, dendy henry, early settlers, craftwork, jackets

This cotton baby's nightgown is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire.The Maggs family were early settlers in the Moorabbin Shire. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. A long white cotton infant's Christening or 'walking-out' dress. The neckline and short sleeves have broderie anglais trim. Bodice has extensive cut-work and hand embroidered feather-stitching. There is further hand-embroidered feather-stitching around the waist band. The skirt of the garment has pin-tucking and lower borders of further cut-work The garment is in good condition.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, baptism, dressmakers, craft work, maggs nance

The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire were very committed to their religious observances. The meetings and celebrations of religious rites gave them companionship and support during the difficult times of establishing their market gardens. The craftsmanship and skills of the families is shown in the clothing they made. The skill and craftsmanship shown in this christening - baptism - gown is and example of the clothing made by the pioneer settlers and market gardeners in Moorabbin Shire. The Maggs family were early settlers of this areaBaby's long, white cotton christening gown, with hand-embroidered feather stitch and very fancy extensive cut-work to the bodice and skirt. Short sleeves with scalloped edges. c1900. Good condition.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, bentleigh, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, maggs geoff, craftwork, christening gown

This calico, waist-cich with suspenders is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c 1900The Maggs family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. This is a lady's calico, waist - cinch with broderie anglais decoration at the top. It has enclosed "stays" in four places to shape and minimise the wearer's waist. There are laces to allow the garment to be pulled to maximum tightness at the back, and a front opening of strong metal hooks and eyes. There are two suspenders hanging at the front of the cinch with metal fastenings to attach to, and hold up, the wearer's stockings. clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, maggs geoff, craftwork, maggs nancy, flagg sarah, early settlers

This long, hand-sewn, cotton, baby's nightdress is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900The Risstrom family were early settlers . The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these familiesA long, hand-sewn, baby's cotton nightdress with hand-crochet on neck and hem and a draw-string ribbon around neck.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, early settlers

This infant's, hand-knitted singlet petticoat is an example of the dressmaking and craft skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families An infant's petticoat , hand-knitted 2ply woollen fancy stitch with crocheted edges and satin ribbon insert around neck and inserts for ribbon around waist c1900clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

This cream, creme-de-chine, toddlers dress with hand-smocking is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families A cream, crepe-de-chine, toddler's dress with hand-smocking.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

This cream, voile, heavily embroidered, small girl's dress is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families A small girl's, cream voile, heavily embroidered dressclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, early settlers, craftwork, market gardenners

This fancy, pink, hand-knitted baby's hooded cape is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900 The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families A baby's fancy, pink, hand-knitted, hooded capeclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

This very small baby's cotton gown with decoration and collar is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1900 The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families A very small, baby's cotton gown with decoration and collar.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork

This ankle length black dress with pleated skirt , buttoned bodice, self belt and long sleeves is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1910The Blackburn family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these familiesA lady’s ankle length, black dress with a pleated skirt, buttoned bodice, a self belt and long sleevesclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, craft work, blackburn nance